Short Summary

Visnews recently filmed the launching by Malayan Minister of Works and Communications, Inche Saardon bin Haji Jabir, of Malaya's first floating post office at Temperloh, Pahang.

Description

Visnews recently filmed the launching by Malayan Minister of Works and Communications, Inche Saardon bin Haji Jabir, of Malaya's first floating post office at Temperloh, Pahang.

In a country where outlying districts are almost inaccessible by road the authorities make the most of every waterway for maintaining contact and communications.

After the recent introduction of a dental surgery boat by the Malayan Health Service - filmed by Visnews - the latest step in supplying the riverside settlements with the necessary facilities was the extension of the postal service up the Pahang river. In the presence of the Postmaster General, Mentri Besar, and District Postmaster Inche Inbrahim, the Minister of Works and Communications made his inauguration speech and joined the meeting in prayers. Cutting the ceremonial red ribbon the Minister launched the "Sri Saardon", built in Port Swettenham and equipped with a powerful outboard motor.

Operated by a captain/post-official the post boat now travels 25 miles upstream and 21 miles down the river from its bases at Temerloh, taking letters and parcels to all kampongs along this stretch of the Pahang river. The settlements start buzzing with excitement when the river postman arrives to hand out the mail, set up his mobile post office counter and sell postal orders and stamps - and welfare lottery tickets.